In a surprise result the $51 chance Lady Esprit scored her first win here since taking out a Benchmark 84 (1000m) at Moonee Valley on 21 January last year. She settled in last place in the seven-horse field, behind a quick pace before going wide rounding the home turn. She then ran on strongly in the centre of the track to score a late-closing win in good style. The favourite Snitty Kitty showed her customary pace to lead but was pressured in the mid-stages (by Sunday Escape) before getting to a clear advantage at the 200m, but could not then hold off the late finishing winner to take a very good first-up second. Nasdex raced in third place, on the rails, and kept battling on nicely on the inner in the straight to hold the minor placing. Crystal Dreamer raced in fourth place, one out and one back, moved up at 200m and then kept fighting on in his usual honest manner under his top weight (60kg) for fourth, beaten just over a length and a half.